Party is over for Iwobi as Arsene fumes
STAR OUT AT 2.30am BEFORE CUP LOSS
ALex IWOBI’S decision to go partying just before Arsenal were beaten in the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest has added to Arsene Wenger’s problems.
The 21-year- old forward was filmed dancing in central London at 2.37am on Saturday in a video uploaded to social media, according to The Sun. He then played 90 minutes at the City Ground as the holders crashed out, going down 4-2 to Sky Bet Championship side Forest.
‘If that is true, he will be fined,’ said Wenger yesterday. ‘ It is impossible to go out 48 hours before a game. It’s unacceptable.’
Wenger is confronted by trouble wherever he turns. Five points off the Champions League positions, out of the FA Cup, and with the ‘Wenger out’ brigade more vociferous than ever.
Dissenters within the club predicted all this when Wenger, backed by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, signed a two-year extension in the summer. Next summer, however, he will have to indicate whether he intends to stay beyond 2019.
The uncertainty surrounding Wenger last season unsettled the team and contributed to them missing out on a top-four finish. Wenger accepts that and the Arsenal hierarchy won’t make the same mistake again. It remains to be seen whether Wenger is willing to provide the answers they are looking for.
The Frenchman’s mindset is bound to be swayed by Arsenal’s quest for a Champions League spot. The financial implications of missing out are significant, with a major impact on players negotiating new contracts. Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere may find they are offered reduced terms.
Sportsmail can reveal Wilshere will be offered a contract extension in the next week, but it will be worth much less than his current £120,000-a-week deal. Wilshere, 26, does not want to play for another club, but the Arsenal academy graduate’s loyalty will be tested if better terms are available elsewhere.
Behind the scenes at the emirates, it has been all change for the past six months. The next change in personnel will see former Reading academy chief Lee Herron join the Gunners’ youth management team.
Huss Fahmy is easing into his new role as Arsenal’s contracts specialist. Raul Sanllehi joins as Arsenal’s new head of football relations on February 1, effectively replacing chief transfer negotiator Dick Law. Sven Mislintat has moved from Dortmund as head of recruitment, responsible for transfer strategy.
So, changes across the board, except in the managerial hotseat and Wenger — who serves the second game of a three-match touchline ban tonight — is set to field a strong team in tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
Wenger, 68, was branded an ‘old coach’ who should know better